Vocations for the Youngstown Diocese

06/06/2026

Congratulations Deacon Bodenschatz!

06/06/2026

Congratulations to Deacon Arthur Bodenschatz who was ordained this morning by Bishop David Bonnar at Saint Paul Parish in North Canton. Deacon Arthur has been assigned to Saint Carlo Acutis Parish in Columbiana for his year as a deacon.

06/05/2026

We look forward to seeing you and celebrating with you tomorrow. You can also join in the celebration online via the livestream.

REMINDER: The Ordination of Seminarian Arthur Bodenschatz to the Transitional Diaconate takes place this Saturday, June 6, 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church, North Canton, Ohio (241 S. Main Street) Arthur will appear on a brand new episode of Wineskins with Father James Korda, on Friday at 4pm. www.catholicecho.org/wineskins/

06/04/2026

Like we promised—the seminarians are on the move for the summer! We are grateful to the parishes across our diocese that have shared the exciting news of welcoming a seminarian for a summer internship. Please keep these men in your prayers as they spend the summer serving, learning, and discerning God's call while accompanying parish communities throughout the Diocese of Youngstown.

Please join us in extending a very warm welcome to third-year seminarian, Jacob Huzyak!
Jacob will be with us this summer, from June 1 through August 30, residing at the St. Joan of Arc rectory. Though his stay is only for a few months, he is very excited to become part of the Portage North community and looks forward to meeting our wonderful parishioners.
Be sure to say hello and keep Jacob in your prayers as he continues his journey toward the priesthood!

St. Joan of Arc Church - Streetsboro, Ohio
St. Joseph, Mantua OH
St. Ambrose Catholic Church

06/03/2026

On behalf of Father Will Wainio, Father Chad Johnson, and all of our seminarians, we are thrilled to welcome Mrs. Richele Merdich as the new Administrative Assistant for the Vocations Office!

Richele is already a familiar face in the Diocese of Youngstown, having previously served in the Office of Catholic Schools. She steps into this role following the retirement of our longtime assistant, Mrs. Geri Deane.

Please join us in giving Richele a warm welcome!

06/02/2026

Are you passionate about the Catholic faith? Have you been feeling pulled to seek more meaningful work? Do you have an interest in helping people discover their Vocation, as well as plan projects and events that draw young people into a deeper relationship with Christ? Now is your time to find out!

The Offices of Vocations and Youth & Young Adult Accompaniment are hiring a joint, part-time Programming & Marketing Coordinator! This position focuses on creative promotion, administrative operations, communications, and event logistics that foster meaningful opportunities for young people to encounter Jesus Christ, grow in community, and discern their vocation within the life of the Church. The role serves as a key support for diocesan-wide efforts including youth ministry programming, young adult engagement, campus ministry outreach, and vocation awareness initiatives.

Does this sound like YOU or someone you know? Please view the position on our website and send your resume and a Letter of Interest to Matt Hazi, Director of HR. More information is available at www.doy.org/jobs. God bless!

06/01/2026

Join us in prayer for seminarian Arthur Bodenschatz as he prepares for his ordination as a Transitional Deacon this Saturday.

06/01/2026

Today we joyfully wish our Diocesan Director of Vocations, Fr. Will Wainio, a very happy anniversary of his priestly ordination. We are grateful for his faithful service, dedication to fostering vocations, and generous ministry to the people of the Diocese of Youngstown. May God continue to bless him with many more fruitful years of priestly ministry. Congratulations, Fr. Will!